Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil drummer, dies at 70 after cancer battle
- - Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil drummer, dies at 70 after cancer battle
Edward Segarra, USA TODAYJanuary 22, 2026 at 3:30 AM
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Rob Hirst speaks onstage after winning song of the year during the 2021 APRA Music Awards in Sydney on April 28, 2021.
Rob Hirst, the Australian rock drummer best known for cofounding the band Midnight Oil, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 70.
Hirst's bandmates revealed the musician's death in an emotional statement on Midnight Oil's official social media channels on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Hirst had been diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023.
"After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — 'a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,'" the band wrote alongside a throwback photo of Hirst. "He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Rob donate to @pankind_australia or @supportact."
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Hirst opened up about his condition during an April interview with The Australian, with the rocker's oncologist noting he was "pretty stable at the moment."
"I've had pretty much every treatment known to man – every scan, ultrasound, MRI. I've kind of had 'the works,'" Hirst said at the time. "But today, I'm feeling really good."
Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram by his foundation and his own @realmrvalentino account reads, “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.” His cause of death was not given. The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as “Valentino Red.”
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram by his foundation and his own @realmrvalentino account reads, “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.” His cause of death was not given. The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as “Valentino Red.”
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HAZGhdsFNIlHDdD4pFRXcQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c42f45c2d8d5a4e1e4434eb6593acc2f class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram by his foundation and his own @realmrvalentino account reads, “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.” His cause of death was not given. The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as “Valentino Red.”
">Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram by his foundation and his own @realmrvalentino account reads, “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.” His cause of death was not given. The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as “Valentino Red.”
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HAZGhdsFNIlHDdD4pFRXcQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c42f45c2d8d5a4e1e4434eb6593acc2f class=caas-img>Roger Allers, the Oscar-nominated animated filmmaker who co-directed Disney's 1994 blockbuster hit "The Lion King," died on Jan. 17, the company's CEO announced. He was 76. Allers died following "a short illness," a Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter and Animation Magazine. USA TODAY reached out to the studio and his family for additional information. Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about Allers' death in a Jan. 18 social media post, calling the director a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Roger Allers, the Oscar-nominated animated filmmaker who co-directed Disney's 1994 blockbuster hit "The Lion King," died on Jan. 17, the company's CEO announced. He was 76. Allers died following "a short illness," a Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter and Animation Magazine. USA TODAY reached out to the studio and his family for additional information. Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about Allers' death in a Jan. 18 social media post, calling the director a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/forwV_dmyY4WHwAamEjYLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d54562aa7b4e3f67b46962625d301121 class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Roger Allers, the Oscar-nominated animated filmmaker who co-directed Disney's 1994 blockbuster hit "The Lion King," died on Jan. 17, the company's CEO announced. He was 76. Allers died following "a short illness," a Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter and Animation Magazine. USA TODAY reached out to the studio and his family for additional information. Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about Allers' death in a Jan. 18 social media post, calling the director a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come."
">Roger Allers, the Oscar-nominated animated filmmaker who co-directed Disney's 1994 blockbuster hit "The Lion King," died on Jan. 17, the company's CEO announced. He was 76. Allers died following "a short illness," a Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter and Animation Magazine. USA TODAY reached out to the studio and his family for additional information. Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about Allers' death in a Jan. 18 social media post, calling the director a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/forwV_dmyY4WHwAamEjYLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d54562aa7b4e3f67b46962625d301121 class=caas-img>has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tqJXnfk84h8dhEZQ6xbkbg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbe23814686fd2366c7d3cf08b260a71 class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."
">Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tqJXnfk84h8dhEZQ6xbkbg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbe23814686fd2366c7d3cf08b260a71 class=caas-img>died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues." "For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues." "For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pbDyJSsteL7FCHK3DJDADA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b8e412408bafc25a75940e6e7806e735 class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues." "For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."
">Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues." "For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pbDyJSsteL7FCHK3DJDADA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b8e412408bafc25a75940e6e7806e735 class=caas-img>representatives confirmed to USA TODAY. Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at age 69, representatives confirmed to USA TODAY. Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mYjoTMbXc8kZ4TMp.ValpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/13280becaf56cd0b13a0a572f5c9062a class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at age 69, representatives confirmed to USA TODAY. Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."
">Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at age 69, representatives confirmed to USA TODAY. Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mYjoTMbXc8kZ4TMp.ValpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/13280becaf56cd0b13a0a572f5c9062a class=caas-img>Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.
Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8."Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Grammy-nominated country songwriter Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.
Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8."Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DSUaSugD7rmM5NIsMF2S1Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDgy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/98eb9d31720512922ab636c5aba896e3 class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Grammy-nominated country songwriter Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.
Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8."Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.
">Grammy-nominated country songwriter Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.
Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8."Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DSUaSugD7rmM5NIsMF2S1Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDgy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/98eb9d31720512922ab636c5aba896e3 class=caas-img>European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Hungarian director Béla Tarr, best known for dark dramas such as "Damnation," "Satantango" and "The Turin Horse," died on Jan. 6 following a "long and serious illness," the European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fZhkx761Up3.hCNNCk4_ug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTAy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2cec289f0a6e96e504aa497a1a7ec16 class=caas-img data-headline="Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost" data-caption="
Hungarian director Béla Tarr, best known for dark dramas such as "Damnation," "Satantango" and "The Turin Horse," died on Jan. 6 following a "long and serious illness," the European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
">Hungarian director Béla Tarr, best known for dark dramas such as "Damnation," "Satantango" and "The Turin Horse," died on Jan. 6 following a "long and serious illness," the European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fZhkx761Up3.hCNNCk4_ug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTAy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2cec289f0a6e96e504aa497a1a7ec16 class=caas-img>
1 / 7Passages 2026: Valentino, Kianna Underwood, Bob Weir and more stars we lost
Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram by his foundation and his own @realmrvalentino account reads, “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.” His cause of death was not given. The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as “Valentino Red.”
Scott Adams dies: 'Dilbert' creator was 68
Born in Camden, Australia, in September 1955, Hirst began his rock 'n' roll training at age 12 after he received a drum kit as a gift following a leg operation on his right femur.
Hirst formed the first incarnation of Midnight Oil in the early '70s with school friends Jim Moginie and Andrew "Bear" James, initially going by the name Schwampy Moose. The fledgling rock band would later change its musical moniker to Farm before landing on Midnight Oil with the final lineup of Hirst, guitarist and keyboardist Moginie, bassist James, lead singer Peter Garrett and guitarist Martin Rotsey.
Midnight Oil released its self-titled debut album in November 1978. The band became known for its topical songwriting and politically charged performances, which often featured Garrett sharing the group's views on issues such as Aboriginal rights, nuclear disarmament and social justice.
From 1979 to 2001, Hirst released 10 more studio albums with Midnight Oil, including 1987's platinum-selling "Diesel and Dust." The band went on hiatus in 2002 after Garrett quit the group to pursue a political career.
Rob Hirst performs onstage at the Australian leg of the Live Earth series of concerts at Aussie Stadium in Sydney on July 7, 2007.
Aside from Midnight Oil, Hirst was also a member of the bands Ghostwriters and Backsliders.
He reunited with Midnight Oil in 2017 and released two more albums with the band, 2020's "The Makarrata Project" and 2022's "Resist." The latter peaked at No. 1 on the Australian albums chart.
Midnight Oil members Bones Hillman, from left, Rob Hirst, Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey pose on Sydney Harbour after announcing their world tour on Feb. 17, 2017.
Bob Weir dies: Grateful Dead founding member was 78
In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Hirst's Midnight Oil bandmates paid tribute to the drummer's enduring musical legacy.
"We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob," the band wrote. "For now, there are no words, but there will always be songs. Love always from Jim, Martin [and] Pete."
Hirst is survived by his wife, Lesley Holland, and their daughters, Alexandra and Gabriella, as well as Hirst's other daughter, country singer Jay O'Shea.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rob Hirst dead – Midnight Oil drummer dies at 70 after cancer battle
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
